Here’s what you can expect from them this season
This year, the spotlight is shining brightly on Victoria College’s student-run theatre society, Victoria College Drama Society (VCDS), as they celebrate their 100th birthday. Most often found on Vic’s Isabel Bader Theatre stage, VCDS is widely recognized within the college and outside community as a well-established student group that is passionate about theatre and showcasing student talent.
In honouring VCDS’ centennial, executive producers, Alyssa DiBattista and Leora Nash have organized the 2017-2018 season as a celebration of Vic theatre and Canadian theatre in general. The season opens with three UofT alumni written productions and closes with Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night—VCDS’ first performance in 1918.
Initiating VCDS’ 2017-2018 season is Jim Betts’ Colours in the Storm, directed by Shannon Dunbar and musically directed by Michael Henley. Following the story of Canadian artist Tom Thomson, Colours in the Storm explores Thomson’s incredible influence in Canadian art as well as his controversial death in the waters of Canoe Lake in Algonquin Park, exactly one hundred years ago. The second round of auditions will be announced mid-September, and interested musicians are encouraged to contact the directors. Colours in the Storm will be performed October 19th to 21st at 7 PM in the Emmanuel College Quad.
The season line-up continues with Bob Martin and Don McKellar’s The Drowsy Chaperone (directed by Meredith Shedden), David Yee’s Lady in the Red Dress (directed by Jasmine Cabanilla) and William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night (directed by Maya Wong). All productions succeed in addressing relevant Canadian issues and topics that have a direct impact in the lives of students and artists alike. Auditions for all productions will occur throughout first semester. Those interested in temporary stage crew positions are encouraged to get in contact with the producers, follow VCDS’ Facebook page, and attend their information session scheduled during the first week of class.
In celebration of all that the society’s accomplishments, VCDS will host a Centennial Gala in March in which all participating Vic alumni are invited to attend. Co-Producer, DiBattista states: “the theatre is a meeting place for people from Vic, U of T, and the community. This year, our focus is to celebrate the history of VCDS and bring together the people who built us up to where we are now.”
With or without experience, VCDS’ producers encourage all first years and those with a passion for drama to apply and get involved with their council because “ultimately [VCDS’] goal is to do awesome creative things and have a lot of fun.” Applications will open for executive team assistant positions to the producer, artistic director, communication directors, and technical directors in mid-September. For those interested in obtaining more technical experience, VCDS will be hosting three educational workshops focusing on lighting, set design, and sound from mid-September to late-October. More information can be found online on their website (vcds.ca) and social media (@VicDramaSociety).
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